The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation and the National Council of Negro Women Comment on New FCC Order to Preserve Open Internet

WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP) and the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) today released the following statement on the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) vote to implement a new regulatory framework to preserve open internet principles.  

"The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP) and the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) note the significant achievement in the FCC's passing of a new Open Internet Order.  Upon initial review, the FCC's regulatory plan to preserve the open Internet will allow for decision makers and key internet players to refocus efforts to ensure better broadband access, adoption, and affordability in our communities.

As two national organizations representing the interests of African American women, we understand the life-changing tools offered by broadband Internet. Today, technology has enabled a transformation of how we, as communities, approach education, jobs, healthcare, business opportunities, and civic engagement.  Without equal access to such benefits enabled through high-speed Internet, African Americans across the U.S. would be at a disadvantage.  Hopefully, this adopted solution will allow public and private stakeholders to concentrate on efforts that deliver on President Obama's commitment to universal broadband and the social and economic benefits it enables.

We are pleased that the FCC considered diverse perspectives on this issue and arrived at a thoughtful decision that allows for forward progress of the implementation of the National Broadband Plan.  We look forward to working with the Commission to expand affordable open Internet access to everyone."

About NCBCP

The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation is a 501©3, non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to increasing civic engagement and voter participation in Black and underserved communities. The National Coalition strives to create an enlightened community by engaging people in all aspects of public life through service/volunteerism, advocacy, leadership development and voting. Please visit http://ncbcp.org/ for more information.

About NCNW

The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) is a historic civil rights organization committed to advancing opportunities and improving the quality of life for African American Women. As both a membership organization and an organization of organizations, NCNW represents the collective voices of the more than four million African American women worldwide. For more information, visit www.ncnw.org.  

SOURCE National Coalition on Black Civic Participation